Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 656: Chapter 612 Sly Old Fox_1

“Stop yelling, what are you yelling about? This is all your fault, a spoilt, biased, and protective mother. How could he be so lawless, huh? It was no small feat, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and during the execution of his duties on top of that, do you realize the severity of this?” Hu Jiawang scolded furiously.

His words stopped Liu Guixiang in her tracks. On any regular day, Liu Guixiang would be boastful and domineering, her behavior founded on her husband’s power. However, whenever faced with a real problem, Liu Guixiang’s lack of experience and education became evident.

Panic-stricken, she asked, “Old Hu, what do we do? What do we do? The Hu family only has this one heir. We mustn’t let anything happen to Fei.”

Hu Jiawang, too, had a grave look on his face. Indeed, Liu Guixiang was right, Hu Fei was their only child. This was the main reason he was spoiled in the first place.

Saving him was a must, not solely due to these reasons. Additionally, the bribes Liu Guixiang had accepted were all transferred through their son. Although they had attempted to be discreet about it, it was impossible to be sure that they wouldn’t get caught.

Looking at Liu Guixiang, Hu Jiawang felt guilt and regret for the first time. It seemed like his indulgence had truly led to his downfall.

Liu Guixiang, a typical rural woman, was inexperienced and short-sighted. Her perspective was myopic, and she was greedy for wealth and quick gains, she made unwarranted promises. All these flaws are now significantly contributing to the problem at hand.

With a sigh, Hu Jiawang sat down and seriously said, “Guixiang, you need to be prepared. I’m afraid this problem not only involves Fei but could also implicate me. The bribes you have accepted over the years are likely to be exposed.”

These words left Liu Guixiang dumbfounded, feeling helpless and turning pale. After a long silence, Liu Guixiang said, “Old Hu, is it really that bad? Maybe we should return the money. I won’t dare to take it anymore.”

Hu Jiawang scoffed with a cold response, “Whether we return the money or not, we’ve already committed the act. Returning it is like sticking your head in the sand, it’s only self-deception.”

He paused, then made a call to his secretary, Pan Jianjun. “Pan, prepare the car, and come to me.”

After giving the instructions, Pan Jianjun on the other end of the line seemed uneasy, “Mayor Hu, the car is always returned to the pool in the afternoon. If you need a car, it needs to be coordinated with the executive secretary.”

Hu Jiawang made a mentally noted it and said, “Alright, then. Carry on with your tasks.”

After hanging up, Hu Jiawang rose and said firmly, “Guixiang, you must remain calm. The situation hasn’t escalated to such an extent yet. I’ll go over to the Public Security Bureau to check on Fei.”

Liu Guixiang, who had been quite flustered, gained some composure and stood up. “Old Hu, I’ll go with you.”

Hu Jiawang dismissed the idea, “Given your current emotional state, you should stay. I’ll pay a visit to Secretary Tian later.”

At this point, only Tian Xujian could save him. Hu Jiawang knew this much. Tian Xujian couldn’t entirely be trusted, but without other options, he decided to put his faith in him.

The distance between the Wanghai City Municipal Party Committee and City Government’s residential area and the Wanghai City Public Security Bureau was not far. It was just a two or three-minute drive. Hu Jiawang, however, chose to walk. It allowed him to reflect on the situation. Nie Zhenbang’s counterattack had been swift and severe due to his negligence. He had always supposed Hu Fei’s company to be dependable, so he hadn’t paid much attention to it. Now, it was important to find a scapegoat, even if it meant Hu Fei would end up in jail. As long as Hu Jiawang was there, there was still hope.

After about a ten-minute walk, he saw the Public Security Bureau’s gate. The guards recognized him immediately.

Shortly after, Xiao Shanming, the bureau chief cum party secretary, along with the bureau party group leaders, walked out of the building.

“Mayor Hu, what brings you here?” A smiling Xiao Shanming greeted him. @@novelbin@@

At this moment, Hu Jiawang replied with a smile, “Director Xiao, my family has had the misfortune of raising such a reckless child. Initially, I was planning to leave him be, to let him face the consequences. However, the old woman at home was in tears and made a fuss about it. So, I thought I might as well come and see if you would let me meet this unfilial son.”

Pausing for a moment, Hu Jiawang added, “Of course, if there are regulations on your side, Director Xiao, or if it would cause any inconvenience, forget what I just said. I don’t want to interfere.”

Although Hu Jiawang’s words were full of righteous indignation, if Xiao Shanming took his words at face value, it would be a huge mistake.

At this moment, Xiao Shanming also started contemplating. Whilst Hu Jiawang is presently being suppressed by Mayor Nie, he still holds the position of vice-mayor. Even commoners have the right to meet, especially as this is not a major case. To refuse a meeting for such a reason would be unreasonable. If Hu Jiawang were to capitalise on this situation, it would inevitably put him on the back foot.

Immediately, Xiao Shanming said with a smile, “Mayor Hu, you’re too modest. This is not a major case. I can certainly accompany you to meet him.”

At this point, Hu Jiawang seemed to be very cautious and incredibly humble, “Director Xiao, there is no need. You have your own matters to attend to. There is no need for you to accompany me to visit this unfiliable son. Assigning anyone else to accompany me is fine.”

Hearing Hu Jiawang’s words, Xiao Shanming nodded in agreement, “In that case, Mayor Hu, I will not accompany you. Heh, you accompany Mayor Hu on his visit.”

Under Officer He’s guidance at the Wanghai City Public Security Bureau’s criminal investigation and interrogation room, Hu Jiawang saw Hu Fei. According to the rules, individuals like Hu Fei cannot be detained without the approval of the procuratorate. People with Hu Fei’s status are not dealt with lightly; a minor mistake and Hu Jiawang could take advantage of it, causing others to be implicated.

The moment Hu Fei saw Hu Jiawang, he immediately stood up. He’d been detained for a day and wailed, “Dad, you’re here! You must save me. These policemen are unreasonable! You must save me.”

Just as Hu Fei finished speaking, there was a loud smack as Hu Jiawang slapped him across the face. The crisp sound made Heh, who was standing by their side, somewhat shocked. Mayor Hu didn’t hold back at all.

Hu Fei froze and stared at Hu Jiawang in disbelief, “Dad, did you slap me?”

“Yes, I slapped you, you reckless child! Who gave you the authority to place yourself above the law? The state is investigating your company, which is standard procedure, yet you dared to assault people! You think you’re in the right here? Slapping you is too lenient. I’m not going to help you out with this. Whether you end up in jail or get sentenced, you deserve what’s coming to you.” Hu Jiawang was furious with anger, berating him relentlessly.

The harsh reprimand left Hu Fei dumbfounded. Hu Jiawang, whom he relied on the most given his status, now refused to help him. Without his father’s support, Hu Fei found himself defenceless and his previous arrogance was nowhere to be found.

At this moment, Hu Jiawang turned to Officer He with a smile and asked, “Officer He, could I have a few words alone with this unfilial son?”

Normally, such a request would be absolutely forbidden. Allowing a suspect to have a private conversation could raise issues during the investigation, as the suspect might understand something crucial. Yet, facing Hu Jiawang, Officer He was a bit nervous. Considering the vice mayor was being so polite and amiable, Heh automatically nodded in agreement, “Mayor Hu, please…”

Heh then left the room, helping Hu Jiawang close the door behind him. This was when Hu Jiawang’s demeanor changed to a serious one. He said sternly, “You unfilial son, do you understand your mistake? Look at all the trouble you’ve caused! First, you tricked me and consequently, Mayor Nie suppressed me and demoted me to the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Animal Husbandry sector. Now, you’ve created more problems. Remember, there are words that should be said, and ones that should not. Zip your mouth shut! Only if I stay standing do you stand a chance. If I fall, our entire family is done for.”

Upon hearing Hu Jiawang’s words, Hu Fei finally grasped the seriousness of the situation and nodded in agreement, “Dad, don’t worry. I know what to do. They won’t be able to find anything from those accounts. They were all registered under other people’s IDs. I can fully deny any involvement when the time comes.”

Only then did Hu Jiawang finally relax. At this moment, someone pushed the door back open. It was Xiao Shanming, who entered the room, smiling at Hu Jiawang and Hu Fei. He began, “Mayor Hu, according to the rules, the visiting time…”

At this point, having already discussed what he intended to, Hu Jiawang seemed very understanding and immediately replied with a smile, “Yes, yes, you’re right. I apologize for forgetting, Director Xiao. Thank you so much. Now I can report back to the old lady at home. I should go now.”

After Hu Jiawang left, Xiao Shanming glanced at Hu Fei, closed the room’s door, and turned to Officer He who had been standing in silence with his head bowed. Xiao Shanming’s voice was stern, “Officer He, be careful next time. Don’t let them have such a private encounter.” (